That last ranking is puzzling, and leaves me questioning the criteria involved. Either Bill Bavasi wasn't as bad a general manager as everyone said, or new Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik should already be a leading contender for Executive of the Year. I don't think you can have it both ways.

"He's the kind of guy that really understands the big picture," Stoneman told the Seattle Times. "While he's managing the major-league team, he'll also be involved beyond, I'll bet you. I told (Mariners GM) Jack (Zduriencik) this is a guy that understands that a lot of people have to do well in the organization for the organization to succeed."

Wakamatsu, 45, the first Asian-American to manage in the big leagues, was also the Angels' roving catching instructor and received a World Series ring before moving on to big-league coaching gigs in Texas (2003-2007) and Oakland. Wakamatsu (pictured) was an Angels minor-league manager at Erie in 2000.